Academic libraries in China are transforming traditionally isolated and separated operations by initiating an integral library system to connect all academic libraries nationwide with each other and with other information networks abroad. The current academic library environment in China, the concept of the integral library system, and major goals…

Argues that a book should not be cherished simply for being a book, if its information is obsolete. Discusses the need to stop treasuring media beyond its utility; offer positive electronic alternatives to print media (rather than fighting technology); and assure that students have access to all the tools of learning. (AEF)

Examines why many information professionals are still resisting the Internet as a legitimate resources and how the Internet will affect the future of search engines. Highlights include: user perspectives on Internet searches; search engine preferences; vendor perspectives on Web-based databases; electronic journals; the Internet versus…

The National Federation of Abstracting and Information Services (NFAIS) is an organization of over 60 publishers and online service providers. Included is a formal white paper which was released in December 1997 to clarify the rights and responsibilities of each party in the electronic information delivery process: authors, publishers,…

Describes a project that developed a coordinated strategy for integrating information and communication technology materials into the core curriculum of an Australian preservice teacher education program. The project is designed so that students can acquire requisite knowledge, skills, and commitment to information and communications technologies…

Discusses the Internet and how it works, beginning with its origins in the U.S. military and covering such issues as clients and servers, upload and download, and the World Wide Web. (Author/PVD)

The Institute of Physics Publishing (IPP), a subsidiary body of the Institute of Physics (IOP), has used electronic publishing on the Internet as a major means of improving the speed of dissemination of physics information. The development of the Comprehensive Electronic Journals service is described along with recent enhancements and other…

While Microsoft Corporation officials state unequivocally that the company does not want to get into the business of higher education, the company and its chairman have been quietly acquiring rights to intellectual property and creating software rich in academic content. College administrators, nervous about competition for students, are concerned…

Compares humanlike versus machinelike interactional styles of computer interfaces, testing hypotheses that evaluative feedback conveyed through a humanlike interface will have greater impact on individuals' self-appraisals. Reflected appraisals were more influenced by computer feedback than were self-appraisals. Humanlike and machinelike interface…

The methodological approach to technology education is illustrated by the case study of the development Active Matrix Liquid Crystal Displays in a small Dutch company. Problems emerge when this development is not dealt with according to nature of technologies involved. In technology education such insights can be used to prevent practices in which…

Discusses reasons for developing electronic reserves (i.e., digital collections of library reserve materials), as well as technical and content options, intellectual property issues, and the issue of equitable remuneration for use of intellectual property in electronic reserve, including recent Australian developments. Experiences at the Monash…

Defines telematics and argues that India should exploit telematics resources for training. Describes training through telematics and virtual means, as well as a redefinition of the notion of training. Discusses the cost factor and its influence on policy at different levels. (AEF)

Examines how multimedia communication networks can be viewed both as the technological enabler of the global information society and as creating barriers between cultural groups. Discusses the concept of the global information society from different perspectives; outlines the use of multimedia communication networks; and links the two concepts to…

Provides examples of Internet resources, specifically electronic mail and World Wide Web uses, in undergraduate biology courses. Emphasizes both pitfalls and valuable practices for students in computer-enhanced courses. Examples of activities and accessible Web pages reflect an approach to solving some of the dilemmas of the Internet's…

A survey of 23 rural and small-town community economic development groups in British Columbia examined types of information used, frequency of information use, community information sources, access and barriers to information, use of computer-based and electronic information technologies, and perceived organizational benefits of using such…